Pakistan Railways Fare Hike 2025

Pakistan Railways has increased train fares. Pakistan Railways has raised the fares for express trains and coaches by 3 percent, while the fares for freight trains have increased by up to 4 percent. The new fares for passenger trains will take effect from June 20. The railway department has also issued a notification regarding the fare increase. The increase in freight train fares will take effect on June 23.

Pakistan Railways Fare Hike 2025: What You Need to Know

Pakistan Railways, a cornerstone of the country’s transportation network, has recently announced a fare increase for both passenger and freight trains, effective June 2025. This adjustment, driven by rising fuel costs, has sparked discussions among commuters, businesses, and logistics providers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details of the fare hike, its implications, and tips for navigating the changes, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next journey or shipment.

Pakistan Railways Fare

According to an official notification from Pakistan Railways, express passenger train fares and saloon services will rise by 3%, while freight train fares will increase by 4%. The new rates for passenger trains take effect on June 20, 2025, and freight train fares will apply from June 23, 2025. This decision comes in response to escalating diesel prices, which have significantly impacted the railway’s operational costs. With petrol now priced at Rs258.45 per liter and high-speed diesel at Rs262.59 per liter, the department cites these increases as the primary reason for the fare adjustment.

The fare hike affects all express trains, including popular routes like the Karachi-Lahore Tezgam, the Green Line Express, and the Jaffar Express, as well as freight services critical to industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. This marks the second fare adjustment in 2025, following a 5% hike in February due to similar fuel price pressures.

Why the Pakistan Railways Fare Hike?

Pakistan Railways operates an extensive network spanning 7,789 kilometers, serving millions of passengers and transporting goods across the country. However, the organization faces ongoing challenges, including rising fuel costs, aging infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies. The recent surge in diesel prices, up by Rs7.95 per liter, has directly impacted the railway’s ability to maintain services without adjusting fares.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways emphasized that the fare increase is essential to balance operational expenses while ensuring service continuity. “The decision has been made in light of the increasing diesel rates, which have severely impacted the department’s operating expenses,” the official stated. This adjustment aims to keep the railway financially sustainable while maintaining its role as a vital transportation lifeline for millions of Pakistanis.

Impact on Passengers

For daily commuters and long-distance travelers, the 3% fare increase will result in slightly higher ticket prices across all classes, including economy, AC standard, AC business, and first-class sleeper. For example, a ticket on the Lahore-Rawalpindi route, previously priced at Rs250 for economy class, may now cost around Rs257.50. While this increase may seem modest, it could add up for frequent travelers or families planning trips during peak seasons like Eid al-Fitr or Independence Day.

Popular trains like the Khyber Mail, Allama Iqbal Express, and Green Line Express, known for their modern amenities like Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, will also see the fare hike. Passengers booking through the Pakistan Railways website or the RABTA app should check updated fare tables to avoid surprises. The railway’s IT director has been instructed to ensure these changes are reflected in the booking system.

For those planning travel during festive periods, it’s worth noting that Pakistan Railways occasionally offers fare reductions, as seen during Eid al-Fitr 2025, when fares were slashed to ease holiday travel. However, no such discounts have been announced for the current period, so travelers should budget accordingly.

Impact on Businesses and Freight Services

The 4% increase in freight train fares, effective June 23, 2025, will directly affect businesses relying on Pakistan Railways for transporting goods. Industries such as agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing, which depend on cost-effective logistics, may face higher operational costs. The Azakhel Dry Port, a key hub for cargo, will see an even steeper 10% increase in charges, potentially impacting exporters and importers.

Freight services are a critical component of Pakistan Railways’ operations, with the network handling significant cargo volumes between coastal ports and inland cities. In 2020, the railway transported 35 containers to Chaman for cross-border trade with Afghanistan, highlighting its importance in regional logistics. The fare hike could lead to higher prices for goods, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where transportation costs are a significant factor.

Businesses are advised to review their logistics budgets and explore alternative transport options, such as road freight, though rising fuel prices may offset any savings. Pakistan Railways has assured stakeholders that services will continue without disruption despite the financial strain.

Navigating the Fare Hike: Tips for Travelers

To help passengers adapt to the new fares, here are some practical tips:

1. Book Early: Secure tickets in advance through the Pakistan Railways website or the RABTA app to lock in current rates before further adjustments. Online bookings also offer the convenience of SMS confirmations.

2. Check Fare Tables: Updated fare tables will be displayed at all stations and reservation offices. Verify prices for your route to avoid overpaying.

3. Consider Economy Class: For budget-conscious travelers, economy class remains the most affordable option, with fares starting as low as Rs100 on some routes after previous reductions.

4. Plan Around Peak Seasons: Fares may fluctuate during high-demand periods. Monitor announcements for potential discounts, especially during holidays like Eid.

5. Understand Refund Policies: Tickets purchased at counters can only be refunded at the same counter with an ID copy. Online tickets follow the same refund rules, with a 50% refund if canceled less than 90 minutes before departure.

For commuters and long-distance travelers, the 3% fare increase will raise ticket prices across all classes—economy, AC standard, AC business, and first-class sleeper. While the hike is modest, frequent travelers or families may notice the cumulative effect, especially during peak seasons like Eid al-Fitr or Independence Day. Below is a sample fare table for popular routes, reflecting the 3% increase (based on estimated pre-hike fares for illustrative purposes):

Note: Fares are estimates based on typical pricing trends and may vary. Check the Pakistan Railways website (www.pakrail.gov.pk) for exact rates.

What’s Next for Pakistan Railways?

The fare hike is part of Pakistan Railways’ broader strategy to address financial challenges while improving services. The organization’s Vision 2026, launched in 2014, aims to increase its share in the transportation sector from 4% to 20% through infrastructure upgrades, new locomotives, and faster trains. Projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) rail upgrade are expected to enhance connectivity, particularly on the Karachi-Peshawar line.

However, challenges remain. The railway has faced criticism for mismanagement and outdated infrastructure, with incidents like the 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking underscoring security concerns. Despite these hurdles, Pakistan Railways continues to serve as a lifeline for millions, carrying 52.2 million passengers annually and operating 28 daily express and mail trains.

Conclusion

The 2025 fare hike by Pakistan Railways reflects the broader economic challenges of rising fuel costs, impacting both passengers and businesses. While the 3% increase for passenger trains and 4% for freight services may strain budgets, the railway remains a cost-effective and reliable option compared to road or air travel. By planning, checking updated fares, and leveraging online tools, travelers and businesses can navigate these changes effectively.

For the latest fare information, please visit the official Pakistan Railways website www.pakrail.gov.pk or contact the reservation offices in major cities, such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Stay informed about future announcements, as fuel price fluctuations may necessitate additional adjustments. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a business owner, understanding these changes will help you make informed travel and logistics decisions in 2025.

Fahad Munir

Fahad Munir is a seasoned journalist and editor at Awam PK, specializing in sharing accurate and timely news, job updates, and educational information to the Pakistani audience.